Tin Cup/Moab/Pacific Coast Hwy/Canada?

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Corpolite

Corpolite

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Aug 10, 2009
Threads
16
Messages
251
Location
Colorado Springs
My brother and I are tempting fate by taking the old 60' on a big trip this September. :steer:

Aside from the obvious (tools, spare belts & hoses, an empty credit card to rent a u-haul to haul the truck back when it dies completely) I was hoping to get some guidance/suggestions on what to bring or be prepared for.

I've already replaced a lot of the usual suspects (power steering pump, starter, fuel pump, fuel filter, motor mounts, all fluids, brakes, hoses, belts) and have a stockpiled some other possible show-stoppers (hoses, belts, u-joints, 2 mounted spares, 2 jerry cans, extra fluids, corkscrew).

Any suggestions? Pitfalls to avoid? Places not to miss on the way?
 
Big Trek...

Sounds like you've got a good start on your prep. Things that can be show stoppers come from all directions. I don't see any electrical systems prep in your list. These can be anything from the battery to the alternator, fusable link to a real stopper, anything affecting the ignition system - Since the ignition system is all solid state, I don't know if there is any one item that has reliability problems or not, but something to think about. And I'm looking at this from the viewpoint of Toyota systems and not trans planted GM. If GM, you have reliability issues concerning how the various electrical systems were mated to the Toyota. IF GM, then parts are readily available along the way - almost anywhere. If you have any intermittent problems, tie them down before leaving. They will at some time along the way bare their fangs and bite you at the least opportune time later on. Also repack the wheel bearings, as its a lot easier to do at home than on the road. How are the rear wheel bearings? 200k miles plus? A drain and refill of diffs, trans and xfer case is always a good idea prior to leaving. Take a look at what comes out, be on the look out for any metallic looking oil, as it indicates nasty problems in process in the gear case. Again running gear has pretty good reliability and parts are usually available. Make sure your tires are in good condition, and that they are balanced. Check the balance before you leave, as its a long way to have to put up with a tire that isn't quite right. You think you'll stop and have it fixed, but it never seems to happen. Sounds like your loop will be on the order of 5k miles - have fun. Plan to document your trip with lots of pictures too.

Hope this helps.
 
Duct tape, bubble gum & bailing wire?

How about distributor cap, rotor &plug wires? How old is your battery? Have at least a Haynes manual?

A multi-meter & wiring pliers can really help trace & fix electrical issues.
 
Battery and alternator were recent when I bought it last fall. I already changed out the tranny, transfer case and diff oil (looked good when it came out). I'm still chugging along on my 2f so the GM conversion issues aren't there. Thanks for the reminder on the bearings--I'd forgotten. Tires are recent but I will get them balanced. Electrical in general is solid. Really the only part that has me worried is my AC compressor sounds pretty ugly--it works great but it sure is loud. I can't see stopping the trip for that tho.
 
I have a case of duct tape! Cap/Rotor/Wires have 2k miles on them--should I bring spares? It's the newer ignition so I haven't worried about it too much. Haynes/multimeter & electrical tools/supplies are are on the packing list.

I'm also taking along my brother who used to be a Huey mechanic and now works for NASA on the space shuttles--if we break something he can't fix I'm going to torch the truck, report it stolen & buy a plane ticket!
 
No, I wouldn't bother with spares for those if their new. Maybe bring along the old wires if you have them though - I've had issues with critters chewing on mine. Maybe bring a dog?

Just don't let your brother try to strap an SRM to the roof to get you up the hills!
 
I normally run without a sway bar but I was worried about the amound of swaying we would be doing on the PCH--if you disconnect the links on the sway bar on a 60' the bar just swings down & gets in the way. I found this solution on the Ih8mud forum. I replaced the exended links I had from OME with a couple of pieces of 3/8 stock, threaded the ends and welded the lower washer in place. Then I drilled a hole thru the rod just below where the upper washer goes. Now when I hit the trail I can pull the pin and the whole rod is free to move up and down and allow full articulation. When I get done I can put the pins back in and have a working sway bar again.

This is all theoretical at this point tho............:meh:
0711101324a.webp
 
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That's pretty damn clever. I like it. I wish I could tag along on the trip. Always wanted to go on some cross country dangerous adventure, but it always seems like something goes horribly wrong just before I get to go. My dream has always been to run the Baja peninsula, maybe some day. Have fun out there. :cool:
 
Corpolite said:
I have a case of duct tape! Cap/Rotor/Wires have 2k miles on them--should I bring spares? It's the newer ignition so I haven't worried about it too much. Haynes/multimeter & electrical tools/supplies are are on the packing list.

I'm also taking along my brother who used to be a Huey mechanic and now works for NASA on the space shuttles--if we break something he can't fix I'm going to torch the truck, report it stolen & buy a plane ticket!
Click to expand...
If you're counting on my mechanical abilities it's a good thing I bought new hiking boots :D.
 
We took a similar trip at the end of last year, almost 3000 miles. I posted some pics here and on MUD in the trips section. I think it was called end of 2009 road trip. The year before I posted on MUD "newbie advice for Moab" or something like that. It has some pics and good trail advice.

I'll start with our trip to Moab. Basically we camped at Arches and did some back roads there. We went to the Rec are and one look at the entrance to Hell's and my wife said Hell no.:lol: But seriously I had just gotten the LX and being alone with a new vehicle didn't seem like a good idea. I have the recent Wells book for Moab you are welcome to borrow.

For the other part of your trip other things I didn't mention in the MUD post are depending on your route-- Death Valley has some great trails, September may still be hot. Sequoia and Yosemite maybe on your way, again depending on route. Big Sur area would be great to camp and check out the coast, south of there near San Simeon we saw elephant seals. Monterey Bay aquarium is awesome, been there many times and never get tired of it. Point Reyes is cool. Lighthouse point can be good for whale watching, not sure of migration right now. Sonoma County Parks has some surprisingly nice places. We stayed at one just south of the Lost Coast, haven't been there but heard great things and kicking ourselves for not making it when we lived in NorCal. Patrick's Point is a great State Park north of Humboldt, just a cool place. On into OR there are many great coastal areas, hope for a storm and see some spectacular waves. If you like fishing check for any Salmon or Steelhead runs on the coastal rivers. Coming back, depends on the route but you may want to check out Glacier or Yellowstone. I would be glad to chat if you want more details. Sounds like a great trip just realize Hwy 1 is slow, tight, winding and steep, swaybar = good idea.

Oh we did 80 miles off road on the Mojave road and didn't need one jerry can. I think 2 is overkill unless you are planning something really remote. One is nice for peace of mind :)
 
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Wow--lots of good stuff--thanks!

I think your're right. I'm going to go back down to 1 jerry can and 1 spare. That was going to be a lot of extra lbs.

At MOAB we have reservations at Potato Bottom & Gooseberry. After that we are heading the northern route but I haven't seen the specifics yet (my brother is in charge of navigation). Once we hit the coast we are definitely going to hit Big Sur etc. A bonus to being military is getting to stay at the bases on the way for next to nothing. Vandenberg AFB is just like more PCH but you don't have to share it with anyone! My twin brother lives in Eugene & is promising sea kayaks with the whales and some salmon fishing. Return trip I'm solo and will just have to make time--interstate the whole way I'm afraid.

Thanks for the input!
 
Tried out the sway bar links yesterday--worked as advertized. Only issue is the loose washer/bushing rattled a lot and had me convinced something was broke until I figured it out. I think I'll put some light springs in there to keep things in place but still allow movement.

Next project is a jerry can holder for the roof--trying to come up with something that holds the can at about 45 degrees to make the cap level (don't trust the seal over my new paint) & keep it lower.
 
Years ago when I lived in California I drove PCH from the mexican border to San Francisco. Beautiful long drive. Other people have filled you in on a lot of the high points of Big Sur and Monterey, Santa Barbra is interesting. A couple of years later I drove the coast road from San Fran north and got as far as the Russian river That road was a lot prettier but slow, 25 to 30 MPH as I remember. I was in a bit of a rush to get to Seattle and it took all day to get not far. I had to abandon my plan and go up 101 through Santa Rosa and got into the redwoods at night fall. If I wasn't in a rush I would go From San Fran on the coast road and stop at all of the little towns along the way. It might take a couple of days to get to Eureka but it would be worth it.

Oregon is pretty all along the coast.

Same for Washington and the olympic peninsula.

Go to Vancouver Island and see Victoria. It is one of the most unique cities I can think of. The gardens around the capitol building are great.
 
OK, here we go. We should be to the Bristle Cone Pine lodge near Mt Princeton tonight. We will be posting here as we go.

Only pavement allowed will be to get to gas and bridges over major rivers--any bets on how many miles we get before the first breakdown?
 
Made it to the lodge at Mt Princeton--incredible--but it's hard to get a good nights sleep above 12,000 feet! Since then we've been thru Tin Cup, Cumberland Pass, Juanita Pass, another pass I can't remember getting into Lake City. This mornig we've done Cinnamon pass and Animas Forks and now are dining in Silverton. So far only mechanical issue has been vapor lock on Tin Cup (fuel injection comment from Luke?). I'll be posting pics soon.....
 
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